hey everyone! a happy monday to you all! i have long been a fan of all things french. the early roots of my business were largely inspired by the reigning queen of shabby & chic decorating...miss rachel ashwell. i have a library of her books that i still enjoying pouring over.
many pieces original to my collection still reside in our home, such as this paris flea market mirror. (paris, minnesota that is...i nabbed it @ dayton's annual event). the ornate details & chipping paint {below}...sigh....still swoon me!
it's not everyday you will find a french award sign in a marvelous shade such as the one i covet {below}. i have learned they were livestock awards...this one an example of the ewe category. and to think i was tickled with the satin variety given to us at horse shows!
you will find frenchy jewels at my cottage of shady hollow this summer. the always popular fleur-de-lis is a staple - both collected & created alike! {below}
here's a french wire gathering basket {below} currently commissioned to house white starfish. i've also used it to display lavender bundles. their intoxicating aroma is as attractive as their coloring. and i don't mean the starfish!
this is a small part of a french tole sconce {below} that i need to rewire. it's delicate metal + porcelain flowers are just plain BEAUTYfull! never mind that it has sat patiently waiting to be tended to for a few years now! still looking for more hours in my day!
i had to save what i consider the best for last. and that is my recent acquisition of an honest-to-goodness 1930's french bottle drying rack. direct from the barn of a collector in paris. these are harder to find than a pot o' gold. i have fancied them for years - {8} of them to be exact.
i had pretty well come to accept the fact that i would have more luck capturing an unicorn in the enchanted forest around our home when POW! there it was - staring at me on-line. after {3} days of self-debate...i sprung for it! i am thrilled to finally own my very own. (and before the capture of the unicorn no less!)
and before i forget to show you...or get lost in my ramblings...here it is {below}
now that i have whisked you all to a far away land...i will end with some of my favorite "french" comforts that are close to home! like...french toast for example! or how's about those french fries? ok...maybe i am pushing it! but you have to admit...that cheeseburger wouldn't be the same without 'em! thanks for stopping & joining me on my journey...
au revoir!
